Ranger districts reopen on the Plumas with limited hours
In the first steps towards reopening offices for Plumas National Forest customers and visitors, the three Ranger Districts will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting March 22.
This includes Beckwourth Ranger District, located at 27 Mohawk Highway in Blairsden; Feather River Ranger District, located at 875 Mitchell Ave. in Oroville; and Mount Hough Ranger District located at 39696 State Highway 70 in Quincy.
The Forest Supervisor’s Office in Quincy remains closed and the District office hours are reduced, due to staffing shortages. However, with the risk of COVID-19 in Butte and Plumas counties lowering in recent weeks, the Forest is committed to reopening offices and resuming in-person customer service.
“We know the lack of in-person services has been hard on our communities,” said Plumas National Forest Supervisor Chris Carlton. “We’re happy conditions have improved, and excited to start providing in-person customer service in our District offices again, even on a reduced schedule.”
Forest officials are working to resolve the staffing issues and increase the hours of in-person service.
“This is just the first phase of reopening our offices to the public. The patience and understanding of our area residents and visitors as we transition from virtual to more in-person service over the coming weeks is greatly appreciated,” Carlton said.
It is anticipated in coming weeks that, as staffing and conditions allow, offices will be open additional hours and days. Updates will be provided as office schedules and availability adjust.
Masks are currently not required due to the lower COVID-19 risk. However, those wishing to wear a mask inside the offices are welcome to do so. Customers and visitors experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are asked not to come into the office, but rather contact their local Forest office for service over the phone.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas, follow the forest on Twitter @USFSPlumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
